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Frequently Asked Question

Q

Are there physical/medical requirements for joining Customs?

A

The basic requirement is the ability to do the job. For some jobs in Customs, there may be medical or fitness tests.

Issues in the Role of a Customs Officer

Appointment to a Trainee Customs Officer position is provisional on applicants passing a medical assessment and drug test.

Safety

A Customs Officer will often be in situations in which they would be in danger if they did not have normal hearing or vision (aids are acceptable).

The job is not a sedentary one so a Customs Officer must be able to safely undertake moderate physical activity.

They must also be able to safely:

  • drive a motor vehicle (day or night);
  • operate a computer;
  • analyse x-ray data;
  • lift up to 25 kg (bending/raising/putting down);
  • stand for periods of 2 hours or longer,
  • search containers or vessels (may involve searching in confined spaces, or at heights); and
  • work rotating shifts including at night.

The job can sometimes be confrontational so the person must be able to cope with a degree of emotional strain, and may on rare occasions involve physical confrontation.

Law Enforcement

Customs Officers would present a danger/security risk to themselves (or those they work with) if they were under the influence of illicit drugs or habitually misuse alcohol or other intoxicating substances.